Administrative Assistant For Research Initiatives And Agricultural Experiment Station
The Office for Research and Graduate Education (RGE) in the College of Agricultural Sciences is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Administrative Assistant for Research Initiatives and Agricultural Experiment Station to join our dynamic team. This role will support innovative college-led research initiatives and play a key part in the operations of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station (AES). The successful candidate will be part of a supportive, mission-driven team that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. Their contributions will directly support collaborative research initiatives that address real-world challenges in agriculture, food systems, and environmental sustainability.
The individual in this role will work closely with faculty initiative directors and research development professionals to coordinate projects, manage logistics, and help bring collaborative research ideas to life. As a part of the AES staff, this position will also share responsibilities for the AES and will serve as primary contact for all competitive AES projects.
Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to :
The successful candidate must be highly motivated, organized, and detail-oriented while having professional written and verbal communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, and a teachable spirit. The staff member must be able to work as both a member of a team as well as independently to support faculty directors of initiatives and research development personnel, able to answer questions and / or react appropriately to situations as they arise. This position requires the ability to follow established procedures and processes as well as being able to develop and enhance current and new processes.
This position requires the successful candidate to work in person, on campus.
Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications :
General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS) 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Required Certifications : None.
Qualifications :
Experience and proficiency in SAP Concur, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint / OneDrive / Teams), and Zoom is required. The position will require the development of skills to become familiar with and the ability to train others in using the USDA National Reporting System (NRS) and the National Information Management and Support System (NIMSS). Preferred skills include familiarity with SIMBA, InfoReady, website content management software, and Filemaker.
Application Information :
Both a cover letter and resume must be submitted to be considered for this position.
Salary & Benefits :
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $38,300.00 - $55,500.00. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
EEO IS THE LAW :
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Administrative Assistant • University Park, PA, US